Autologous salvaged blood transfusion in spontaneous hemopneumothorax.

Abstract

Spontaneous hemopneumothorax (SHP) is a rare clinical entity, and an emergent operation due to continuous bleeding or hypovolemic shock is at times necessary. Although allogeneic blood transfusions are urgently required for significant blood loss, autologous blood transfusions can also be considered in patients with SHP. We herein report two cases of successful autologous blood transfusions using blood in the pleural space, decreasing or obviating the need for allogeneic blood transfusion.